Risepoint Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Risepoint has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, communications, human resources, and regional operations.

Committed to expanding access to higher education, Risepoint empowers not-for-profit universities to launch and scale online programs for working adults through integrated technology and marketing solutions.

Leadership Roles at Risepoint

  • Chief Executive Officer - Fernando Bleichmar
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ron Collins
  • Chief Information Officer - Rob Hilliard
  • Chief Communications Officer - Katelynn Dugan
  • Chief People Officer - Adriana Herde
  • Associate Vice President & Managing Director - Maryela Fiscal
  • Associate Vice President & Managing Director - Colleen Evers
  • Fernando Bleichmar - Chief Executive Officer

    Fernando Bleichmar, the Chief Executive Officer at Risepoint, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Bleichmar oversees the integration of university partnerships, ensuring alignment with the mission to provide accessible education for working adults across global markets. By managing the recent acquisition of Wiley University Services, the Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of the partner network into new international territories. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial health and operational excellence. Fernando Bleichmar drives the company toward sustainable growth by focusing on workforce-aligned fields such as nursing and technology. Through the implementation of performance analytics and student journey management, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that university partners achieve their enrollment and retention goals. Ultimately, Bleichmar secures the market position of the firm as a leader in the education technology sector.
    Fernando Bleichmar

    Ron Collins - Chief Financial Officer

    Ron Collins, the Chief Financial Officer at Risepoint, manages the fiscal health and financial planning of the organization. Collins oversees the implementation of fee-for-persistence and fee-for-service models, ensuring these structures align with the growth stages of various university partners. By directing capital allocation and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic expansion of the company, including the integration of newly acquired divisions. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of performance metrics to ensure the long-term viability of academic programs in fields like nursing and technology. Ron Collins drives financial efficiency across all departments, enabling the firm to invest in advanced marketing and student support technologies. Through careful oversight of revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for international growth. Collins ensures that all financial operations remain transparent and supportive of the broader mission to expand higher education access.

    Rob Hilliard - Chief Information Officer

    Rob Hilliard, the Chief Information Officer at Risepoint, architects the robust technological infrastructure required to support complex online learning environments. Hilliard manages the deployment of scalable platforms that facilitate student journey management, including enrollment and retention support systems. By overseeing the digital transformation of university partner programs, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between institutional data and student-facing applications. This role involves protecting sensitive academic information while providing the analytics necessary for data-driven decision-making. Rob Hilliard drives innovation across the technology stack to improve user experiences for working adults pursuing degrees in healthcare, business, and teaching. Through the optimization of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the expansion of the company into diverse global markets. Hilliard maintains the technical integrity of the platform, ensuring that all university partners receive reliable, high-performance tools for their online initiatives.
    Rob Hilliard

    Katelynn Dugan - Chief Communications Officer

    Katelynn Dugan, the Chief Communications Officer at Risepoint, directs the brand strategy and public relations efforts for the organization. Dugan oversees the messaging that connects university partners with prospective students, ensuring that the value of online programs remains clear and compelling. By managing corporate communications, the Chief Communications Officer shapes the reputation of the firm within the global education technology landscape. This role involves coordinating with marketing teams to highlight the success of workforce-aligned programs in healthcare, business, and teaching. Katelynn Dugan drives engagement through targeted outreach initiatives that resonate with working adults seeking professional advancement. Through the development of consistent brand narratives, the Chief Communications Officer supports the growth of the university partner network across the United States, the United Kingdom, and APAC. Dugan ensures that all external communications reflect the commitment of the company to academic excellence and student success.
    Katelynn Dugan

    Adriana Herde - Chief People Officer

    Adriana Herde, the Chief People Officer at Risepoint, directs the human resources strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Herde oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management to ensure the company retains a high-performing workforce capable of supporting university partners. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Chief People Officer aligns internal team goals with the mission of expanding access to higher education. This role involves designing programs that promote professional growth for staff members working across diverse geographic regions. Adriana Herde drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement, ensuring that the team remains focused on delivering exceptional service to students and institutions. Through the implementation of effective organizational structures, the Chief People Officer supports the scaling of operations following major acquisitions. Herde ensures that the company culture remains resilient and adaptable, providing the necessary human capital to sustain long-term success in the competitive education technology market.
    Adriana Herde

    Maryela Fiscal - Associate Vice President & Managing Director

    Maryela Fiscal, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director at Risepoint, directs the operational success of specific university partner portfolios. Fiscal oversees the day-to-day execution of student journey management, focusing on enrollment support and retention strategies for programs in the healthcare and nursing sectors. By managing the relationship between the company and its academic partners, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director ensures that all services meet the unique needs of working adults. This role involves analyzing performance data to optimize marketing and outreach efforts within the North American market. Maryela Fiscal drives operational efficiency by coordinating with internal teams to deliver high-quality support services that align with university goals. Through the application of industry expertise, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director ensures that partner programs achieve sustainable growth. Fiscal maintains a focus on student outcomes, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the overall success of the academic partnership.

    Colleen Evers - Associate Vice President & Managing Director

    Colleen Evers, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director at Risepoint, directs the strategic growth of university partnerships within the business and technology sectors. Evers oversees the implementation of integrated marketing and student support services, ensuring that these programs effectively reach and serve working adults. By managing the operational lifecycle of these partnerships, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director ensures that all activities remain aligned with the financial and academic objectives of the institutions. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine student recruitment strategies and improve retention rates. Colleen Evers drives the expansion of program offerings by identifying new opportunities for collaboration within the global education market. Through the consistent application of performance analytics, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director optimizes the delivery of services to maximize impact. Evers ensures that the company provides the necessary resources for partners to thrive in a competitive landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Risepoint Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Risepoint?
    Risepoint is led by Fernando Bleichmar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ron Collins (Chief Financial Officer) and Rob Hilliard (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Risepoint’s executive team?
    The executive team of Risepoint includes leaders such as Fernando Bleichmar (Chief Executive Officer), Ron Collins (Chief Financial Officer), Rob Hilliard (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Risepoint have?
    Risepoint has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Risepoint’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Risepoint includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Chief People Officer.